FESTIVAL INSIDER » Party Time

RealTVfilms Gifting Lounge a great place for a little Toronto Festival Insider pampering – by SKYE

Richard Budman — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:29:05 +0000

Some serious swag was had at the RealTVfilms social media & gifting lounge right down the street from the TIFF Filmmakers Lounge. The amazing team straight from LA invited Toronto International Film Festival VIPs to be pampered in their relaxing lounge, offering an abundance of gifts & services — including a masseuse, hair & makeup artists, satiating food & beverage, and even eyelash extensions, a unique Japanese turned celebrity beauty trend.

The hi-lite of my guided tour was choosing a new pair of frames from Les Pieces Uniques (seeing as David Cronenberg dug my glasses so much, I figure what better time but now to add to my collection.) The Italian line exudes quality & elegant face-flattering designs.

To end my tour, I was interviewed by the lovely Samantha Gutstadt and treated to a mini photo shoot like a real VIP. I’m glad I chose to wear my go-to chic & ultra-comfy dress by Nada Designs for the unexpected photo opp! I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on another glamorous night of TIFF. — SKYE

The Thompson Hotel roof in Toronto proves a hot spot for TIFF’10 as the film festival moves the buzz to King St.

Richard Budman — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:44:25 +0000

The newly opened Thompson Hotel in Toronto certainly proved to be a hot spot during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. From hosting some of the hottest parties – Vanity Fair and a certain Blackberry themed bash (that had a rare sighting of not just Ryan Reynolds but his betroved Scarlett Johansson in hand) to name just a few.

But on almost any night during TIFF you could be assured the Thompson roof would be buzzing with activity and a celebrity or two. But getting to the Thompson roof during TIFF can be a challenge as the guest list is usually kept pretty exclusive and gatekeepers below DO need to buzz you up to the top floor with that special little card.

Of course, when you get to the Thompson roof there is a certain camera etiquette and a Festival Insider wouldn’t get too far trying to haul a big DSLR cam up there. But, after a glass of wine (or two!) and an iPhone my fellow insider SKYE and myself can still have a little pictorial fun.

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Canadian Film Centre’s annual @CFCcreates Barbecue always a highlight on the TIFF party schedule – Norman Jewison hosts with Paul Haggis

Festival Insiders — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:25:37 +0000

The Canadian Film Centre’s annual Sunday afternoon Barbecue has always been one of the better invites of TIFF week. The yearly event always promises a fun afternoon of chatter among old friends, drinks, and good eats (Licks burgers & Guck sauce!)

One of the reasons the BBQ is held each year is to celebrate the films and projects that are created by CFC alumni and make their way into screening during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Two CFC shorts – HOW TO RID YOUR LOVER OF A NEGATIVE EMOTION CAUSED BY YOU! and CHAMPAGNE, created through the CFC Short Dramatic Film Program will screen in the Short Cuts Canada program, while CFC’s commitment to innovation takes centre stage with WHAT?S YOUR ESSENTIAL 100, an interactive installation that invites visitors to text in their favourite films from the Essential 100 list and see a dynamic visualization of images projected above the box office.

photo: Academy award winning writer and director Paul Haggis chats with Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE during the annual CFC barbecue. SKYE is wearing a dress by NADA Designs. (September 12, 2010 / R. Budman photos)

The party for UMA THURMAN and the cast of CEREMONY at the Youtube Lounge Brassaii had a decidingly PULP FICTION vibe

Richard Budman — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:39:59 +0000

photo: UMA THURMAN arrives at the YouTube Lounge Brassaii on King St. in Toronto for the TIFF premiere party for CEREMONY. The Toronto Film Festival premiering film is written and directed by MAX WINKLER.

Before the party started there was a private dinner with the cast in Brassaii. In attendance was the executive producter of the film, director Jason Reitman and even Max Winkler’s dad, HENRY (yes, The Fonz!) was there.

While Uma Thurman was at TIFF supporting her newest film – there is no forgetting the iconic role Ms. Thurman played in “Pulp Fiction.” There was decidedly seventies Tarantino soundtrack vibe to the DJ set played that night at the Youtube Lounge.

If the 35th edition of the Toronto Film Festival will be remembered for anything – it’s the opening of the BELL LIGHTBOX – Toronto’s new home for film and culture

Richard Budman — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:27:32 +0000

photos: Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE on arrival at the newly opened home of TIFF – The BELL LIGHTBOX. SKYE is wearing a dress & accessories by Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes (photo: September 16, 2010 / Richard Budman)

Over a decade in the making, if there is one thing the 2010 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will be remembered for – it’s the opening of the BELL LIGHTBOX.

TIFF’s new home will be all things to the festival – a state-of-the-art screening facility as well, as place to meet and discuss the art and culture of film.

We couldn’t let the 35th edition of the festival end without a visit to the new Bell Lightbox. And it was as beautiful and spacious as one could imagine. We Festival Insiders especially loved being able to begin our night with a drink before a TIFF screening in the Blackberry Lounge. The lounge even had Blackberry charging stations so we could give our batteries a quick charge before tweeting into the night.

The esteemed film critic, Roger Ebert who annually covers TIFF couldn’t help but comment while in Toronto visiting the new facility, “The Bell Lightbox is superb. No other word for it.”

2nd annual September 11th Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser raises badly needed funds for Haitian earthquake relief – an impressive list of stars supports the cause in Toronto

Richard Budman — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:30:38 +0000

The 2nd annual Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser was held in Toronto last night to raise badly needed funds for Haitian relief. The event is held annually on September 11th in Toronto on the first weekend of the International Film Festival.

A star-studded line-up came out to support the important APJ cause. Founded by Oscar winning writer and director Paul Haggis. And Mr Haggis brought an impressive list of friends out to the party. Co-hosted by James Franco and AnnaLynne McCord – Martin Sheen, Josh Brolin, Kathleen Robertson, Rachel McAdams all stopped by the swanky Filmmakers Lounge at Pears on Avenue road in Toronto. (photos: Richard Budman for Cadillac Festival Insider)

VIDEO COMING SOON…

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director David Cronenberg comes out opening night of TIFF in support of Artists for Peace and Justice at the TORO Film Industry lounge – the director takes a surprising interest in the design of the Festival Insider’s GLASSES

Richard Budman — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:34:31 +0000

photo: David Cronenberg and Cadillac Festival Insider host SKYE at the preview of the NY Times Canadian Photo Archive Exhibit. The private exhibition was curated by David’s daughter, photographer Caitlin Cronenberg. The elder Cronenberg was very taken by the design of SKYE’s glasses.

Canadian filmmaker DAVID CRONENBERG (Videodrome, Dead Zone, Eastern Promises) came out in support of his daughter, photographer CAITLIN CRONENBERG for the opening of the TORO Film Industry lounge. On display was a private preview of RED – the NY Times Canadian Photo Archive Exhibit. The exhibition features iconic images of George Chuvalo-Muhammad Ali, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and of course a young David Cronenberg.

5 GREAT things to do around the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival – FOR FREE!

Richard Budman — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:08:29 +0000

You don’t need the hottest party invite or Gala screening ticket to enjoy the buzz of the Toronto Film Festival. There are still plenty of downtown sites to take in the magic of TIFF and it doesn’t even have to cost you a dime. We can suggest these 5 great things to do around TIFF for FREE;

1. THE TIFF RED CARPET PREMIERES – The TIFF red carpet screenings still offer the best bang for your buck for getting up close and personal with a movie star. It’s rare a celebrity doesn’t interact with the crowd at their premiere. We’ve seen before some stars spend more time with the fans, then the media. Roy Thomson Hall Gala premieres have a large area where crowds gather. But warning – if you want a good spot on the fence, get their early. The Elgin Winter Theatre and Ryerson are also very fan friendly and good spots for seeing your favorite actors up close. Tip: The stars exiting the Elgin theatre out the back door can be an intimate vantage point.

2. YORKVILLE AVE. – Yes, some festival buzz is moving south to King st., but Yorkville avenue is still home to two of Toronto’s most swanky TIFF hotels – The Four Seasons and The Hazelton. So Yorkville is always a bees hive of activity come TIFF time – especially opening weekend. Grab a coffee and take a seat outside on the Starbucks patio for some fun people watching.

3. THE PARTIES – The Hello Canada magazine party, the Variety Studio at Holt Renfrew, In Style Party. You may not get into these events – but many have red carpets outside and sometimes hundreds of fans will gather in the streets.

4. ESSENTIAL CINEMA MUSEUM and FILM SCREENINGS – at the TIFF Bell Lightbox opening daily September 12th the exhibit will feature movie props, costumes, and posters from some of most popular movies ever. TIP: They’ll also be free screenings of past great TIFF films.

5. TIFF BLOCK PARTY – on Sunday, September 12th. Everybody is invited to one of TIFF’s coolest parties this year. The opening of the BELL Lightbox on Sunday afternoon. Free food and entertaiment including the headlining of a major Canadian act that TIFF is keeping secret for now (but we think is Nelly Furtado.)

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Artists for Peace and Justice fundraising event during TIFF will raise badly needed money for Haitian relief – follow @natashankpr on Twitter to help donate

Richard Budman — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:26:47 +0000

photo: Olivia Wilde, Natasha Koifman, and writer / director Paul Haggis at the APJ fundrasier at the Windsor Arms hotel during TIFF’09

There is no question that it’s often a time of celebration at many events during the Toronto International Film Festival. But it’s also become a time for giving back and many events occurring during TIFF have a charitable aspect to them.

One of the most successful fundraising events held annually in Toronto around film fest time is The Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser with Paul Haggis and this year, James Franco co-hosting. The APJ has been tirelessly working for Haitian relief this year.

Still months after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, the country struggles to get everyday supplies. Food, water, and medical care are in short supply and without raising more money international relief efforts will continue to slow down.

One organizer of the Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser, Natasha Koifman is donating $5 for every new follower on twitter she gains till September 15th.

Follow @natashankpr on Twitter to help donate

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IVAN and JASON REITMAN had a very busy TIFF 2009 with Up In The Air, Jennifer’s Body, and Chloe all having Toronto premieres

Richard Budman — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:01:03 +0000

(festivalinsider.ca) There could not have been a more active father-son duo in the filmmaking business then what Ivan and Jason Reitman put on display during the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Put simply, the Reitmans owned TIFF’09. Jason Reitman was in Toronto as producer on Jennifer’s Body and director on the already highly acclaimed UP IN THE AIR. After the recent film festival reviews for Up In The Air, many think the George Clooney starring vehicle will be well represented come awards time. During the press conference, Jason was sure to point out a key producer on the film, his father, Ivan Reitman proudly sitting in the first row with the assembled media. It wasn’t the only business at TIFF for Ivan – he was also there to support another Gala premiering film he produced – the Atom Egoyan directed CHLOE. From press, to red carpet premieres and receptions, there was no shortage of Reitman sightings during the 2009 TIFF week.